January
2, 2006 - If
you just can't get enough of handheld puzzles games
then you're my kind of gamer. I like the challenge
but more than anything I like the idea of consistency
which may be considered as another definition of predictability.
I can count on the tenth level being a variation on
the first, as well as each subsequent level to follow.

I
don't fall in love with just any kind of puzzle game
but when I find one that's good I tend to obsess.

Ultimate
Block Party shares a lot in common with the basic
principals of Tetris. It's easy to learn but difficult
to master. UBP is especially difficult to master because
there are so many different facets to the gameplay.
It can take a few hours or a few days to memorize
all of the various aspects of the rules.

Unlike
Tetris this game uses colored blocks instead of geometric
shapes. Also, unlike Tetris, the blocks come from
the bottom and rise to the top. A cursor is moved
around the group of block, it can outline four blocks.
With a push of the button you can rotate this stack
of four blocks in any direction. The object is to
connect four blocks of the same color to make them
disappear. These simple links are called PoPs. Combos
are made when the original PoPs disappear causing
more of the same colored blocks to fall and create
another link. Combos are a great source of points.
One thing that makes it easier to make combos is that
the original PoP takes a few seconds to activate,
giving you time to move the cursor around to create
new links and combos. If you need more blocks to make
more links and combos with, you can increase the rate
at which the blocks appear from the bottom of the
screen - but be careful not to let them reach the
top.

As
straightforward as the objective sounds things get
a lot more complex and this is what separates this
game from the average Tetris-inspired puzzler. Once
you get used to it you'll want to continue to play
it and show off your skills. If you can find some
other fanatics, the two-player mode will offer you
endless hours of competitive fun. The game is fast-paced
and the more you practice the better you will get.

For
every red PoP that you make your square will increase
larger than four blocks. Blue will drop large blocks
onto your opponent's playfield and purple ones will
turn links into one solid block that can't be moved.
Using or avoiding these features becomes a very important
part of the gameplay. You can play defensively or
offensively by trying to bury your opponent with useless
blocks. A comprehensive tutorial mode will explain
everything in visual detail. It's a great inclusion
for a game such as this with so many variables.

Modes
include a Training mode, Story mode, Arcade mode,
VS. CPU mode, Multi-Player Wi-Fi mode, and the aforementioned
Tutorial mode. That's a great selection. The two-player
wireless mode is great but you have to find someone
with another copy of the game. There isn't an online
mode but considering the Japanese version didn't have
a multi-player mode count your blessings.

UBP
is originally from Japan and as such retains most
of its intangible charm. There are overly cute and
colorful characters as well as that irresistible cruiseship
lounge music. There are eight playable characters
that are positioned off to the side of your bin but
they don't just stand there. They dance, jump around
and even shoot a gun which I can assure you is a little
distracting. I would have preferred a larger view
of the playfield in place of the characters. But then
I always was a bit of a spoilsport. The PSP screen
is nice and wide and facilitates the game just fine.

With
the deep and strategic gameplay, a great tutorial
and a variety of modes including a two-player ad hoc
wireless mode, there's no reason not to purchase UBP.
You may even be able to find it at a bargain price
of $25.

Features:

Tetris-style
puzzle action - but with a twist!

Five
Exciting Modes of Play: Arcade, Campaign, Versus
CPU, Single Player, and Wi-Fi support for riveting,
head-to-head action.

8
Japanese Anime-style characters. Each character
features advanced A.I. for even more challenge!